Tars tough in victory
Steve Virgen
Just play Newport ball.
That’s what Newport Harbor High Coach Sharon Wolfe told her field
hockey team at halftime, when the Sailors were leading 2-0, but were
sensing testiness from host Marina.
The Sailors listened to their coach, kept their composure and
defeated the Vikings, 4-0, to clinch at least a share of the Sunset
League title. Newport Harbor will have a chance to win the league
championship outright Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. when the Sailors host
defending champion Edison at Harper Park.
Against Marina, senior Victoria Swigart produced two assists and
one goal to lead the Sailors (16-1, 6-1 in league).
Swigart’s performance, which also included sound defense,
apparently frustrated the Vikings. Several of the Marina players told
officials and their coach that Swigart was too physical. After the
game, the Marina coach, Crystal Gray, explained to one of her
players, “Newport plays dirty.”
“That’s just Marina whining,” Wolfe said. “We’re just going to
continue to play Newport ball. That’s what I told the girls at the
half. They had to stay focused. And, they did.”
Gray did not speak to the media after the game, saying she had to
speak with a player as she walked off the field and toward the
parking lot. The Sailors seemingly said enough with their dominating
victory on the field.
Senior Kristen Jendrusina got Newport started with a goal midway
through the first half. She scored on a fast break, finishing off an
assist from Swigart.
The Sailors kept attacking and momentarily traded shots with the
Vikings. However, with 1:13 left before the half, Newport increased
its lead when senior Cologne Schmidt tapped in the ball about 3 feet
from the cage. Swigert had the assist.
The Vikings gained a few scoring opportunities in each half and
were able to give Newport senior goalie Amanda Wittman some rare
action. Wittman, regarded as the best goalie in the Sunset League by
Wolfe, recorded six saves.
In the second half, Newport turned up its game a notch and scored
two more goals. Swigart smacked the ball to the back of the cage with
16:48 remaining for a 3-0 lead. Seniors Maddy Anderson and Jillianne
Whitfield were credited with the assists.
Whitfield capped the Sailors’ scoring, finishing off a pinpoint
cross from junior Jenny Taylor. Senor Dana Owad contributed by
supporting the Newport defense, Wolfe said, while Jendrusina showed
consistent ball control.
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